Dorothy Otnow Lewis

Dorothy Otnow Lewis is an American psychiatrist and author known for her research on the psychology of murderers and her work with incarcerated criminals.

Dorothy Otnow Lewis obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1964. She then went on to earn her M.D. degree from New York University School of Medicine in 1968.

One of Dorothy Otnow Lewis' most famous books is "Guilty by Reason of Insanity: A Psychiatrist Explores the Minds of Killers", first published in 1998. In this book, Lewis explores the inner lives and psyches of violent offenders.

Some controversial aspects of Dorothy Otnow Lewis' work include her use of extensive interviews and studies with violent criminals, which some argue may empathize with or humanize the offenders rather than focusing on justice for victims. Additionally, her approach to understanding the root causes of criminal behavior has been criticized for its emphasis on environmental factors rather than individual responsibility.

Dorothy Otnow Lewis has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry through her research and studies of violent individuals, which have increased our understanding of the complexities of criminal behavior. Her work has shed light on the potential influence of childhood trauma, brain abnormalities, and psychological factors on violent crimes.